How to choose the right engine oil for your car

How to choose oil for a car?

The stable operation of your car’s engine largely depends on the correct choice of oil. Therefore, this task must be taken with the utmost seriousness.

What is car oil used for? It performs several functions at once:

• creates a thin film on the surface of rubbing parts and prevents their wear,
• absorbs and retains products formed during fuel combustion,
• protects parts from corrosion.

The oil also cools the engine additionally during operation.

Using a product that is not suitable for your vehicle will cause increased engine wear. This means that it can fail quite quickly, which can lead to long and expensive repairs. Accordingly, the right choice helps to significantly increase the service life of the engine, make its operation quieter, and reduce fuel consumption.

The easiest way to choose the right product is to look at the machine's service book. It usually indicates the requirements for automobile oil set by the manufacturing company. But what if this document is not at hand? In this case, you can use the online selection function by car brand that our website offers.

But it is advisable for the driver to know why this or that oil is suitable (or not suitable) for his car. Another situation is also possible: your vehicle, although still running, is already noticeably outdated. Therefore, we will tell you what to look for when choosing a product.

Mineral and synthetic oil: what is the difference?

Oils on sale today can be divided into three groups:

• mineral,
• synthetic,
• semi-synthetic.

Each of these products has its own characteristic features.

Mineral oil is produced from petroleum using refining and distillation technologies. Products belonging to this category are divided into:

The advantages of automotive mineral oils include their relatively low cost. As for the disadvantages, the disadvantage is excessive thickness. Synthetic products are obtained through the synthesis of chemical compounds. A feature of this process is that it is possible to obtain oils with certain performance properties: viscosity, thermal stability. They are on average more expensive than mineral ones, but have superior characteristics. Synthetic oil:

• characterized by good fluidity and, accordingly, has excellent lubricating properties;
• has a high evaporation temperature, therefore resistant to overheating;
• pumps well even at low temperatures, that is, it can be used even in cold weather;
• maintains chemical stability during almost the entire period of use, which means that its performance properties do not change.

Semi-synthetic products allow you to get rid of many of the disadvantages of mineral and synthetic compounds. Semi-synthetic oil is usually cheaper than synthetic oil, but at the same time is practically not inferior to it in its characteristics.

Universal and specialized products

Oils for cars are also divided into:

The names of these categories speak for themselves. Universal is suitable for most cars and ensures safe operation of the vehicle in almost any weather conditions. Specialized products are designed for use at certain times of the year (seasonal formulations), in difficult conditions or for use in certain types of machines. For example, you can choose an oil that will make it easier to start the engine at low temperatures or is suitable for commercial vehicles.

SAE Viscosity Classification

One of the most important criteria that must be taken into account when choosing is the SAE (Society of Automobile Engineers) viscosity classification. According to this criterion, all compositions are divided into:

For summer oil, the designation on the canister is as follows: SAE 20 (SAE 30, SAE 40, and so on). For winter - SAE 0W (SAE 5W, SAE 10W and so on). The letter W in this case stands for Winter, that is, winter. If we are talking about all-season, then it is designated as follows: SAE 5W-40 (SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, and so on). What do these numbers mean?

For winter or all-season oil, the numbers before the letter W are tied to the minimum temperature at which the engine can be cranked. The lower this indicator, the lower the temperature at which the car engine will operate smoothly. In a region with an average climate, oil with an index of 10W is suitable, and if harsh winters are the norm in your area, it is better to pay attention to products with the designation 5W and even 0W. As for summer oil, it is most often recommended to use products with an SAE 40 index. However, today all-season oils are usually on sale, while seasonal (summer or winter) ones are much less common.

When choosing oil in accordance with the SAE classification, it is worth taking into account the mileage of the vehicle. If you have a relatively new car and the mileage is less than 50% of the planned life, the bearings will work well with lower viscosity. In this case, a product of the 5W-30 or 0W-20 category will suit you. If the mileage exceeds 50% of the planned resource, it is better to choose oil with the 5W-40 index. This is explained by the fact that in an engine with a relatively high degree of wear, the gaps between parts increase, so it makes sense to use a more viscous lubricant.

Classification by performance properties

Another important classification divides all oils according to their performance properties. In fact, there are even several such classifications, among which the most common is the American API (American Petroleum Institute). In accordance with it, the oil can be intended for a vehicle with a gasoline or diesel engine. In the first case, it is designated by the letter S (Service), in the second - C (Commercial).

After S or C there is another letter indicating the level of performance properties. The further it is from the beginning of the alphabet, the better, that is, an oil with the SF index is better than a product with the SA designation. Today, products with the highest performance properties have the following designations:

• for gasoline engines - SN.
• for diesel engines – CF.

After the letters there are numbers indicating the year from which this or that specification came into force, for example, SL (2001) or CJ (2010). In some cases, the specification may look like this: CF-2 (1995), CH-4 (1998). This means that the oil is intended for a two-stroke or four-stroke engine.

There are also universal products that are suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines. They are designated as follows: SN/CF. It is best, of course, to choose the most modern products that meet the high standards adopted in recent years.

Top-up compositions

Sometimes the driver needs to replenish the supply of lubricant. But he does not know what kind of oil is already poured into the engine crankcase. How to be in this case? You can use special top-up oils. They are manufactured in accordance with a universal formula that allows such products to be combined with formulations from other manufacturers. For example, HC-synthetic motor oil Nachfull Oil 5W-40.

How to choose the right engine oil?

Which one is better to use?

At the design stage, engine manufacturers decide on oil brands depending on operating conditions and design features. After that, engine life tests are carried out and recommendations for use are issued. So, before choosing, you need to look at the operating instructions to see what exactly is needed. The oil indicated in the instructions is the correct choice.

If you do not want to fill in the original branded oil, then you can get by with non-original oil. And in order not to lose the warranty, you should choose it with the clearance and approval of the auto concern. The approval of the car manufacturer is one of the main guidelines when choosing. The approval designation indicates not only the name of the car brand, but also a special index, which is comparable to what appears in the automobile documentation.

SAE classification

The main property of motor oil is viscosity and its dependence on temperature over a wide range. Here is the standard classification according to SAE: 10W-40. The first designation “10W” indicates the application temperature, and “40” indicates the viscosity. Let's talk about each parameter separately.

The viscosity of the oil is indicated by the most noticeable numbers on the canister - this is the SAE classification. Two numbers separated by a W indicate that it is all-season. The first numbers indicate the minimum negative temperature at which the engine can be cranked. For example, when designating 0W-40, the lower temperature threshold is -35 o C, and for 15W-40 it is -20 o C. The number after the hyphen indicates the permissible range of viscosity changes at 100 o C.

Recommendations for selection

• when the vehicle's mileage is less than 50% of the planned resource (new engine), it is necessary to use oils of the 5W30 or 0W20 classes. This is due to the fact that new engines have no wear, all clearances are minimal, so the bearings operate at lower viscosity.
• When the car's mileage is more than 50% of the planned resource (technically sound engine), it is advisable to use 5W40 class oils. This is due to the fact that with high wear, the load-bearing capacity is compensated by an increase in viscosity.

Classification by API

The classification of oils according to the conditions of their use and levels of performance properties has been repeatedly supplemented, but the principle of division into two categories - “S” and “C” - has been preserved. Category “S” (Service) includes oils for gasoline engines, category “C” (Commercial) - intended for diesel engines.

The levels of performance properties according to API, in order of increasing quality requirements, are divided into categories “S” into classes (SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM and SN). The farther the second letter is from the beginning of the alphabet, the better. For gasoline engines, the most modern marking is SN, and for diesel engines - CF. To designate universal oils that are used for gasoline and diesel engines, double marking is adopted, for example, SN/CF.

You should choose the latest API grade oil. The packaging must bear a marking designation of at least class SM or SN. It is this class that provides better engine performance and reduces waste consumption.

Articles on the topic

Comments

A few additions:
1. There is a European ACEA. Its requirements (passenger cars) A5/B5 are much stricter than those of the American SM. Accordingly, oils that have received certification according to it are of higher quality.

2. Starting from SM and SN, the oil can be used in turbocharged engines by default. What is there a note on the packaging about? Using it in supercharged engines, where it is not indicated that it is suitable for turbocharged engines, is extremely dangerous.

3. Viscosity also changes depending on the service life. If 5W30 is recommended for a new motor, then after half the service life declared by the manufacturer, 5W40 is already used for the same motor. Depending on the climate, SAE deviations from those recommended by the manufacturer may also occur.

4. In terms of fuel economy due to less viscous oil, this is such a minuscule amount that it cannot be called anything other than advertising. But using less viscous oil than recommended by the manufacturer is harmful to the engine. Especially during hot periods. The pressure in the system drops and engine lubrication deteriorates.

There are many statements that are pure misconceptions... 5W-40 and 5W-30 are related to fuel based on the API classification, as an example SN (2010) or SM (2005) 5W-40 - has a higher density, due to which improved protection properties... 5W-30 - more fluid, easier to pump, more fuel efficient...

Then the question of 5W-30 or 5W-40 is mostly not a driver’s choice, but a technical feature of the engine. The Japanese and Americans have a greater preference for 30, and Europeans are developing in favor of 40. We come to the main question, why do you need the best (read - the most expensive) oil if it is mostly marketing. If you have decided on the viscosity and know the tolerances, even know the volume of the oil system, then the next choice is to decide for yourself...

How to choose the right engine oil for your car?

Which motor oil is suitable for your car engine?

Make sure you choose the right brand of motor oil for your car with our guide

Nowadays, there are many technologies to make the life of your car cloudless. Modern auto chemicals can work wonders, after which the car will work like a clock and will not need frequent and expensive service intervals. You really shouldn’t forget about timely service. Or rather, even to say, first of all you need to take care of it, and then, if necessary, look at a variety of technical equipment. liquids.

In today's story we will pay attention to such a vital substance as motor oil. And if you think that for the longevity of your car’s engine it’s enough just to change the engine oil on time, monitor its level and not allow the “low engine oil pressure” light to turn on, then we will give you some more good tips to make the engine feel even better. better.

What should you pay attention to when checking the condition of your engine oil?

Oil is a vital component to keeping your engine running smoothly, and if you want to reward your engine with longevity, checking your engine oil is one of the key steps. Of course, this means that you must change the oil on time, and, just as important, fill the engine with the most suitable type of oil.

Important! If you do not regularly check the level and condition of your engine oil using a dipstick during the service interval, you are significantly increasing the risk of premature engine wear.

There should be no difficulties in checking the oil level; any motorist can perform this action, even with little experience with the car. But do it right! Often even experienced car owners do not know about this. But the accuracy of the measurements directly depends on this.

Our advice to you is to read the manual that came with your car. It will contain detailed information about what temperature the engine needs to be warmed up to and how long after turning off the ignition (stopping the engine) you need to use a probe to take measurements and obtain the most accurate measurements. This way you will get closer to the truth and determine the engine oil level in your car much more optimally.

If the oil level drops and needs topping up, you need to find out why. Most likely there will be a reason, especially if the engine is naturally aspirated and has driven more than 100 thousand km. Some cars with worn powertrains burn large amounts of engine oil in the cylinders, which can get there in a variety of ways, but mainly through worn piston rings. You will know that you are burning oil by the bluish exhaust and the smell of burnt oil (logical). In this case, you will have to visit a specialized service station.

And when you arrive at the service station, you will be faced with another non-trivial task, choosing the right engine oil for your engine. It’s good if you have experienced professionals in your field who will accurately select the right variety. But what if you have to buy it yourself?

For example, the best choice of oil for diesel engines will be completely different from the best choice of oil for gasoline engines, while turbocharged engines will require a completely different type of lubricant for rubbing parts, significantly different from the characteristics inherent in it. It is worth remembering the presence of synthetic, semi-synthetic and even simple mineral oils on the market.

Overall, there are many different grades to choose from, which is why we've put together this guide to make it as easy as possible for you to find the best oil for your car. Let's start the selection.

What types of motor oils are there?

There are countless motor oils on the market today. Not only dozens of brands, some you have heard of, others perhaps not, but they are all united by one factor, they all belong to different brands and classes in one way or another.

When you look at the label, you will see a series of numbers, such as 10W-40 or 5W-30. These numbers will help you find out the following information, what is the density of the liquid or, as this parameter is commonly called, viscosity.

Today, oils are typically made more fluid, allowing them to reach critical areas of the engine immediately upon cold start, which in turn helps prevent damage caused by the movement of parts rubbing without a protective layer of oil between them. Because modern engines are designed to tighter tolerances, they therefore require less viscous oil.

Most packages of motor oil have several sets of numbers on them; these are “all-season” oils. Additives added to motor oil can also change viscosity depending on temperature.

The lower the first number, the better the oil will work at low temperatures, this is winter oil, which is indicated by the letter “W” - Winter. The lower the second number, the better the fluid will perform at higher temperatures.

Engine Oil Specifications

The choice is also complicated by the presence of such an indicator for classifying products according to the ACEA standard. The issue of choosing an oil brand according to this classification is also extremely important, since it reflects the main characteristics of the oil for a particular type of engine operation or engine type.

European and many Asian automakers typically use the following specifications for gasoline engines (specifications for diesel engines are discussed separately below):

Energy-saving oils with particularly low viscosity

Oils for gasoline engines of passenger cars operating in harsh conditions and with extended intervals between oil changes

Low-viscosity oils with a viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa s are used on limited engine models

Some automakers have even developed their own specifications for motor oils. Usually “special” oils that can be used for a long time without replacement, up to two years or 29 thousand km without losing their protective properties. These vehicles have longer maintenance intervals.

How do I find the right grade of oil for my car?

The two best win-win ways that will help you quickly, and most importantly accurately, find the right type of oil for your car: look at your car's owner's manual or call your dealer. Using the VIN, they will provide you with a list of suitable motor oils within a few minutes. You can also ask your auto mechanic the same question if you are confident in his knowledge.

Take a look at the container with oil and check the information; if everything matches, then you are holding the right product in your hands. It is worth noting that some automakers use their own engine oil characteristics for their cars. Don't worry that you can't find the branded oil you're looking for or that it costs an arm and a leg. In such a case, a list of acceptable alternative classes or specifications that are more widely available in the market will likely be proposed. This information will be listed in your vehicle's manual.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call your dealer again for advice.

What is synthetic oil?

With long-term use of high-quality synthetic oil, the engine is like new

Some modern engines require the use of synthetic oils, since the latter contain fewer impurities. Synthetic availability will vary from engine to engine, so take a second look at your vehicle's manual or contact your dealer to confirm this issue. That's right, synthetic oil in a car engine is not always good.

There are two main types of "synthetics". Full synthetic oils offer maximum protection for modern engines. Synthetic blend oils contain a mixture of synthetic and mineral oils and are the second most common type.

Do I need to change the oil filter when changing the oil?

If you perform a complete oil change in the engine, you also need to change the oil filter - this is an integral part of the service.

The oil filter absorbs and retains a small amount of oil, which means that new, clean oil will be contaminated with old, dirty oil. Therefore, we definitely change the filter!

This is an important maintenance step because the main reason for changing the engine oil in your car is to remove contaminants. When topping up burnt engine oil, of course, there is no need to change the oil filter.

How often and at what mileage the oil and oil filter in the engine need to be changed depends on the make and model of the car. Check out the manual for more information.

Which engine oil should I choose for my diesel car?

Diesel engines have completely different requirements for lubrication of the rubbing parts of the engine compared to gasoline engines. Therefore, you must ensure that you are using the correct oil for your vehicle. This is especially important if your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

As with gasoline engine oils, diesel variations of lubricants also have different specifications (check your vehicle's manual to see what type of oil you need to use).

Engine oil for diesel engines:

Energy-saving oils with particularly low viscosity can only be used with direct approval from the engine manufacturer

Oils for diesel engines of passenger cars and light trucks operating under severe conditions and with extended oil change intervals

Oils for diesel engines of passenger cars and light trucks operating with extended drain intervals, superior in their characteristics to oils corresponding to category B3

B5 energy-saving diesel oils with extended drain intervals

If your vehicle is equipped with a diesel particulate filter, you must use a product with low sulfated ash content, otherwise you risk clogging the diesel particulate filter and causing it to fail.

You should look for the following oils:

C1 the lowest content of additives, which during combustion form sulfated ash harmful to catalytic converters (0.5% ash), energy-saving oil

C2 medium sulfated ash content (0.8% ash), energy-saving oil for high-performance engines

C3 medium sulphated ash content (0.8% ash) less fuel efficient oil, with more performance bias

How to choose motor oil

The selection of engine oil for a car must always be carried out based on the requirements of its manufacturer, but it is also worth taking into account viscosity, compliance with standards, operating conditions of the car, temperature conditions of the engine, and of course, the price/quality ratio of the brand of oil you have chosen. There are many characteristics of motor oils, but in general, you don’t have to delve into most of them in order to select the optimal oil for a car engine in a particular case.

Engine oil viscosity

The first thing you need to consider in order to choose the right engine oil is the manufacturer's recommendations . The car manual always clearly states the viscosity values, standards, and types of oils that can be poured into the engine. However, the subtlety here is that it is often possible to use oils with different viscosities even for one engine.

So how to choose the viscosity of engine oil for a car for winter, summer and off-season? First of all, you need to understand that viscosity directly depends on the temperature and wear of the oil (mileage of the engine with it). Therefore, omitting the details, we can say this: a low-viscosity oil with a suitable low-temperature viscosity (in other words, more liquid) is better suited for winter. For example, 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30. In this case, the lower the first digit, the lower the temperature the composition is designed for.

If the machine is used in middle or southern latitudes, then it makes sense to select engine oil with high low-temperature and high-temperature viscosity. For example, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40. However, in this case it is assumed that the motor has a relatively low mileage, since otherwise it is necessary to focus on high-temperature viscosity.

For the off-season, the choice of viscosity largely depends on the wear of the engine, that is, on the second number. So, the larger it is, the thicker the oil in its original (unused) form. Therefore, the best options would be 5W-30 or 5W-40.

The more worn out the engine is (has a high mileage, for example, 150...200 thousand kilometers or more without major repairs), the higher the high-temperature viscosity the oil should have. For example, 5W-40, 5W-50 and even 5W-60 (in the latter case, you can use a similar composition before carrying out major repairs).

Many modern engines (especially European manufacturers) are designed with thin oil channels, so oils with high viscosity are not suitable for them. On the contrary, for them you need to use products like 5W-20, 5W-30. And on the contrary, old, for example, Soviet cars, designed, among other things, to use old-style mineral oils, may well “eat” viscous oils, for example, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40, 15W-40, 15W- 50 and the like.

A few words about turbocharged engines... The fact is that during its operation the turbine accelerates to a very high angular velocity, which leads to its significant heating. It is for this reason that all automakers recommend using more viscous oils for turbocharged engines , for example, 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-40. This is due to the fact that the oil dilutes during its operation, and the working channels are not clogged with its combustion products.

Compliance Standards

The choice of engine oil must always comply with the international standards specified in the car manufacturer's manual. The main standards are as follows:

• SAE J300 . This standard describes the viscosity characteristics described in the previous section. Indicates low temperature and high temperature viscosity.
• API . This standard describes performance characteristics. Current gasoline categories are SJ, SL, SM, SN. Current diesel categories are CH-4, CI-4, CJ-4. The use of more modern categories in engines is permitted, but reverse use is excluded. Please note that most modern oils are universal, that is, they can be used in both gasoline and diesel engines. However, sometimes you can find compounds specifically designed for one or another type of engine, and this difference will be reflected in the API.
• ACEA . European standard. The car manual clearly states which categories of oils are allowed to be used in a particular engine. Therefore, when selecting engine oil, you need to look at the label markings, since certain engines and exhaust systems require specific technical requirements.

Types of oils

All motor oils are divided into three main types - mineral, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic.

Mineral compositions are no longer used almost anywhere, except for soft washing, since they have the worst characteristics and have a high viscosity. For reasons of profitability and technical performance, engines are often poured into old cars (or engines of old designs). For example, for VAZ classics, Moskviches, classic UAZs and other Soviet vehicles. For cars manufactured in the 1990s and younger, it is better not to use it.

Semi-synthetic compounds are the most common type of oil for car engines among ordinary car owners. They provide optimal characteristics such as viscosity, mileage before the next replacement and price. Therefore, if the car’s manual does not directly indicate that synthetics should be used in the engine, then the best option would be to use “half-blue”.

Synthetic oil has the most advanced performance and provides not only maximum engine protection, but also long mileage. When selecting such an oil, it is worth familiarizing yourself in detail with its performance characteristics and engine requirements. You shouldn't put anything other than synthetics into a brand new foreign car.

Gas engine oil

Special "gas" oil

Owners of cars with gas-cylinder equipment (LPG) are often interested in the question - what kind of oil should be poured into a gas engine? Many motor oil manufacturers specially produce separate formulations that are supposedly better suited for working with gas. The main argument for using such compositions is the difference in the ignition temperature of gas and gasoline in the combustion chamber. Thus, the corresponding temperature for gasoline is about +2000°C...+2500°C. For methane - +2050°С...+2200°С, and for propane/butane - +2400°С...+2700°С. This leads to the first conclusion - if the engine runs on methane, then you need to use the same oil that is prescribed for gasoline and “don’t bother.”

As for propane and butane, much depends on the impurities found both in the oil and directly in the gas. In particular, when the fuel mixture is burned in the combustion chamber at high temperatures, a larger amount of ash may be deposited on the walls over time, which will contaminate the engine. Many modern automakers produce cars designed to use low-ash oils. The purpose of such lubricants is to reduce the ash content in the engine and ensure clean exhaust. The same can be done in the case of using HBO.

However, there are two problems here. The first is that low-ash oils cannot be used in all engines, so you should always focus on the ACEA tolerances prescribed by the automaker. Energy-saving (low-ash) oils are designated C1, C2 and C3 (Low SAPS and Middle SAPS). The second problem is that low ash oils are more expensive than standard lubricants. Therefore, their purchase calls into question the use of HBO as such.

Thus, the answer to the question of what oil to fill with HBO will be the following - the same as for gasoline. Any modern oil (if it is not an outright counterfeit) is capable of operating at elevated temperatures, especially in the short term. The main thing is not to forget to change it on time.

Oil manufacturers

On the shelves of auto stores there are products from various manufacturers of automobile oils, for example, Shell, Mobil, Castrol, Rosneft, Lukoil and many others. Moreover, each manufacturer has its own lines with special characteristics of the oils included in them. Which brand to choose in a particular case is up to the car owner to decide. However, there are some tips on this matter.

In particular, many car enthusiasts, when faced with counterfeit oil, blame the brand under which this or that oil was produced for poor quality, unaware that they have a counterfeit in their hands. Therefore, the first thing worth mentioning is to choose the manufacturer who protects its products as well as possible. Relevant technologies are constantly evolving, in particular, smartphone applications, manufacturer’s websites with checking a one-time code on the canister, SMS messages, ultraviolet flashlights, and so on are currently used for verification.

Imported motor oils can be produced both in the CIS countries and abroad. Practice shows that in the latter case the number of counterfeits is much less. Therefore, try to buy oils produced somewhere in the European Union, Japan, the USA and other developed countries. Information about the country of origin can be found on the canister in direct or encrypted form.

Choosing engine oil

An article about how to choose oil for a car engine. Types and classification, recommendations for selection. At the end of the article there is a video on how to choose motor oil.

However, such a huge variety of lubricants on the modern market can confuse even an experienced driver, and it is doubly difficult for beginners.

A special problem for buyers is created by advertising booklets, where “every sandpiper praises its own swamp,” that is, each manufacturer guarantees the reliability of its products, and here, when choosing engine oil, it is really not difficult to get confused.

And after you are completely at a loss, you have no choice but to contact the seller, relying entirely on his opinion. And this will be your mistake, because any seller will always pursue their own commercial goals, without thinking about the future fate of your car. In order not to be deceived in your expectations, continue reading the article further.

Types of lubrication

To better understand all the intricacies in choosing engine oil, let's first look at the basic basis of all engine oils. This basis is:

• mineral;
• semi-synthetic;
• hydrocracking;
• synthetic.

Mineral oil , called “mineral oil” by car enthusiasts, is obtained by distillation and purification of oil.

Synthetic oil , called "synthetic" by drivers, is produced by synthesizing gases.

Semi-synthetic oil , or so-called “semi-synthetic” by drivers, results from mixing synthetic and mineral oils in calculated parts.

Hydrocracking oil , like mineral oil, is also made from petroleum, but it goes through a rather complex processing procedure and therefore in its structure it becomes more like a synthetic substance than a “mineral”.

Next, we will analyze in detail all the listed types of oils, and also take into account their pros and cons in order to understand which oil is best to pour into the engine.

Mineral oil

It is also called petroleum because this liquid is obtained directly from oil. To produce such oil, a distillation method or a refining method is used. Additionally it is divided into:

• paraffin;
• naphthenic;
• aromatic.

These subtypes differ from each other in the composition of hydrocarbons, which represent the base, but if we talk about lubrication, then it is most effective to prefer paraffin-based oil: it has better viscosity-temperature characteristics.

The main advantage of mineral oil is its relatively low price. However, those who are used to saving money need to understand that it does not last long and will have to be replaced more often. Experience shows that mineral-based oil is often used for units operating in gentle mode. Only under such conditions will pouring oil into the engine not cause problems for the unit.

Synthetic oil

It is obtained through a process of complex synthesis of certain chemical compounds and, thanks to this, can retain the resulting quality for a long time. And this is expressed, first of all, in reduced viscosity.

Stable properties, as well as a considerable service life, indicate the constant quality of synthetic oil, and the reason is that it does not oxidize too much during the operation of the internal combustion engine. This is why synthetic oils are not only considered the highest quality, but also cost much more than even the highest quality mineral oils.

Semi-synthetic oil and hydrocracking

Lubricants in this category occupy a middle position between cheap mineral water and expensive synthetic fluid. Let's consider semi-synthetic types of lubricants.

They are produced by mixing synthetic and mineral bases. This solution significantly increases the performance characteristics of mineral products, while keeping the cost quite reasonable.

Hydrocracking is a unique technology for processing mineral oil base. As a result of this processing, the natural molecular structure of the oil becomes artificial. In other words, hydrocracking is significantly different from simple “mineral water”, and in its quality it becomes identical to “synthetics”.

The process of hydrocracking itself consists of a kind of “leveling” of hydrocarbon compounds due to the movement of atoms, when isomers are ultimately obtained. The main advantage of these oils is their higher performance compared to “synthetics” and their relatively low price.

The main disadvantage of hydrocracking is its relatively rapid aging. In other words, such oil loses its desired properties too quickly.

Choosing motor oil based on classification

So, we have dealt with the oil base, and now it’s time to move on to choosing an oil according to its classification in order to know exactly what kind of oil should be in the engine. This point is quite important, because here it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the car manufacturer.

The main problem is that the use of oils of a class lower than that specified in the manufacturer's recommendations often leads to premature engine wear, or even unexpected breakdowns. On the other hand, if you use oil of a class higher than the recommended one, it may turn out to be incompatible with the internal combustion engine of the car.

Therefore, it is necessary to take into account all the wishes of the manufacturer, which are reflected in the instructions for the machine. Let's look at this issue in more detail.

SAE oil classification

SAE is an international standard that defines viscosity grade. Do not forget that viscosity is generally considered one of the most important characteristics of any lubricant product.

After all, it is the viscosity that determines the fluidity of the oil in cold conditions when it comes to starting and operating the engine in the winter season. In addition, it is the viscosity of the oil that makes it clear how liquid it will be when the engine reaches its optimal temperature after starting.

So, we now know that lubricant is divided according to seasonality: winter, summer and all-season oil. The canister containing winter lubricant is designated by the index “W” (from the German winter), as well as certain numbers that are placed in front of this index. On the canisters you can see SAE markings from 0W to 25W. Warm season oil is also designated by an SAE number from 20 to 60.

However, let’s say right away that winter and summer oils in separate form are quite difficult or even impossible to find today, because they have almost been replaced by all-season lubricants. This is easy to explain - few drivers will enjoy changing the oil according to the season. It's much nicer not to do it at all.

All-season oil is designated as a combination, reflecting combinations of winter and summer types: SAE 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.

Experienced car enthusiasts know about these features and therefore choose lubricant for use in any season. For example, for modern vehicles, 5W30 or 5W40 would be a very good choice.

Classification of oils according to API and ACEA

API stands for American Petroleum Institute. ACEA – Association of European Automobile Manufacturers. These organizations test oils and check performance. After verification, the product is assigned the necessary document.

The American analysis system (API) is recognized as more loyal. And the European testing system makes more stringent claims for lubricants. The main task of testing is to analyze the most important qualities of the oil, and after that it is assigned to the appropriate class.

Tests are carried out in engines directly or on special stands. Experts analyze the oil’s ability to protect engine parts from corrosion, detergent, anti-acid properties, etc.

API classification of oils

Here the oil is divided into two types, which are designated by the corresponding indices S and C. The index S denotes oils that are used in gasoline engines. Index C is placed on the lubricant used in diesel units.

If you look carefully at the packaging, then near the indicated indices S and C you will notice another Latin letter used to additionally designate the quality of the oil. Moreover, the distance of this letter from the beginning of the alphabet indicates the degree of quality - the closer, the worse, and vice versa.

For example, SA or SB lubricant is produced for a gasoline unit, but SA is of worse quality than SB. Diesel engine oil also has its own designations - CA, CB, etc.

ACEA classification

Established in 1996. The main difference compared to API is a more specific and accurate analysis of the area of ​​use of the lubricant product. Particular attention is paid to its anti-wear parameters.

The designation of oils of this classification is carried out in the form:

• letters A for gasoline internal combustion engines of passenger cars, small vans and minibuses;
• letters B for diesel engines of the same types of vehicles;
• the letters E are for diesel heavy duty trucks and buses.

There are also digital markings. Moreover, the higher the number, the higher quality the oil is considered.

Now we know how to choose a good oil for an engine running on both gasoline and diesel fuel. The main thing is not only to take into account the oil base and viscosity of the lubricant, but also the compliance of the oil with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choosing an oil brand

Based on the huge range of lubricant products on the modern market, sometimes even experts cannot accurately advise which manufacturer to give preference to. Some people use Shell or Mobile, others prefer Castrol or Total, others recommend using Lukoil or Liquid Moly, etc.

Attention: it is highly undesirable to select a lubricant by referring only to the manufacturer. The engine doesn't care about the manufacturer. For him, the timing of oil changes is important, taking into account the quality of the fuel and the nuances of using the machine.

Recommendations

If your car has a worn-out engine, do not rush to fill it with expensive “synthetics” - the gaskets and seals of such units may be incompatible with synthetic oils. And then expensive lubricant will not only be of no use, but will also cause harm, causing oil leakage and many other troubles.

As for the use of oil with high viscosity for a car with high or average mileage, this is not prohibited, but, nevertheless, the driver must be experienced enough to take into account the degree of engine wear, seasonality and much more.

Video on how to choose engine oil for a car: